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The Annual Hill Race
Plus a different kind of race
The race to the top of the hill and then back down was one of the most anticipated events of the summer in the town of Brook Meadows. Most participants practiced for months in order to be in their best shape in hopes of winning the contest and the grand prize of one hundred dollars.
The contest was held in the middle of August during the Founder’s Day weekend, a local celebration of the town’s founding back in 1892. It always seemed to be the hottest weekend of the year.
From the park at the foot of the hill where contestants lined up awaiting the firing of the starter’s pistol it was a very steep 900 foot climb to the top of the hill and, of course, a steep 900 foot descent back down to the starting line. Atop the very conical hill was a small gazebo where volunteers offered water and first aid to the runners.
Injuries were sustained by at least a few climbers every year — mostly on the descent. The hillside was covered with rocks and small tufts of grass. Many of the rocks would give way under a climber’s foot sending them tumbling.
In addition to the hundred bucks the winner of the race also had their name engraved on an ongoing plaque in the gazebo at the top of the hill. Last year’s winner, Jimmy Splendor, had his named engraved nine times on that…
